- The Best Lawyers in America - “Bet-the-Company Litigator of the Year” for Denver - Arbitration, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense–White Collar, and Mediation, 2010, 2016-2021
- University of Ulster, Belfast, Northern Ireland - Honorary Doctorate of Law (LL.D.) - "In recognition of his service to peace & the people of Northern Ireland", 2002
- Colorado Super Lawyers - Top Ten, 2006-2019; Top Vote Getter, 2012; 2006-2020
- 5280 [The Denver Magazine] - "Top Lawyers" List, 2020
- St. Thomas More Award - Catholic Lawyers Guild of Colorado - Northern Ireland peace process, 1998
- Learned Hand National Award - American Jewish Committee, 1998
- Law Week Colorado - "Best Arbitrator", 2011 "Lawyer of the Decade", 2010-2011
- Corporate INTL Magazine - "Alternative Dispute Resolution Attorney of the Year" in Colorado, 2014
- Colorado Super Lawyers Cover - Featured cover story - "The Gold Standard - How Jim Lyons Helped Bring Peace to Northern Ireland.", 2007
- Chambers USA - 2013 Top Band - Commercial Litigation, 2013-2020
- Benchmark Litigation - "Local Litigation Star" in Colorado, 2016-2021
- Archbishop Charles J. Chaput (Inaugural) Leadership Award, 2010
- DePaul University College of Law - Outstanding Alumnus, 2011